Boone, NC is a college town with a mountain problem. Well, that is to say, a good mountain problem. This North Carolina community lies nestled amidst the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, a mountainous landscape that offers a big array of activities for the outdoors enthusiast. This is also a place where creative entrepreneurs have worked to build exciting attractions either around the local sights or otherwise emphasizing them. Attractions that will certainly wake you up and get your heart racing.
The following is a quick look at just five such adrenaline-pumping activities that will leave attendants with unforgettable memories of fun and thrills in the picturesque mountain town of Boone, NC.
1. High Mountain Expeditions
Photo Credit by @highmountainexpeditions on Instagram
High Mountain Expeditions has been taking adventure-seeking families out about the Tennessee country since 1986. They are best known for their white-water rafting trips down the nearby Nolichucky River, Watauga River, and Wilson Creek, offering guests big water fun as they shoot down river rapids and twist along river bends. River rafting is a fantastic way to get that adrenaline rush and enjoy a unique way of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Not big on fast-moving waters? High Mountain Expeditions also offers other, more relaxing adventures like river tubing on lazy summer afternoons and canoe and kayak rentals for those who want to captain their own adventures. Or, enjoy a trip with the High Mountain Expeditions off the water via a caving tour of Worley’s Cave. Caving in Worley’s Cave will take the full day, and you will get pretty muddy as you and your traveling group explore the unique recesses of this Appalachian cave.
2. Appalachians Outdoor Adventures
Photo Credit by @cameronpcarter on Instagram
There are those who love a good hike; those who want to spend most of the day trekking about the woods and breathing in the mountainous landscapes. And no knocking it! That is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. However, if your favorite type of exploring is faster and with more thrills, then you’ll love booking a tour with Appalachians Outdoor Adventures.
Appalachians Outdoor Adventures is primarily a UTV adventure company. A UTV, Utility Terrain Vehicle, is also commonly called a side-by-side as this is an off-road vehicle that features larger, more comfortable seating. With Appalachians Outdoor Adventures, you’ll partake in an off-road adventure across over 70 miles of backwoods trails in a comfortable, but still thrilling, UTV-driving and riding experience. The tours with this company include a catered lunch served at a beautiful location.
3. River and Earth Adventures, Inc
Photo Credit by @riverandearthadventures on Instagram
River and Earth Adventures, Inc. is another primarily water-based adventure group. They also pride themselves on being owner-led, as in the owners take part in hosting tours and serving as raft guides, and on incorporating local and general outdoor education throughout their packaged adventures. This makes River and Earth Adventures, Inc. a great activity choice for those who want to get the big thrills in, but also want to learn more about the area around them.
River and Earth Adventures, Inc. also does a great job of offering mixed adventure options, making them an even better choice for those who want to spend a whole day out having fun and getting better acquainted with the area. For example, you might check out their Rafting/Caving Combo which features a morning cave tour, a big lunch at their Elizabethon outpost, and then an afternoon whitewater rafting Section 5 of the Watauga River. This adventure tour and outfitter company also offers canoe and kayak rentals, guided hikes, caving options, and summer tubing rentals.
4. Mountain View Speedway, now known as Fairgrounds Raceway
Photo Credit by @mtnviewspeedway on Instagram
The former Mountain View Speedway, now operating under the name Fairgrounds Raceway, is a family-owned and managed dirt track that’s located in East Boone and not too far from Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park. The track itself has been offering fantastic racing fun since 1986, but it has undergone several owners since that opening year. In 2022, the track switched ownership again, hence the updated name of Fairgrounds Raceway (although you may still hear it referred to as the Mountain View Speedway). Come here on a Saturday night to enjoy watching fast cars rip around the dirt track. They also have a concession stand on-site and sometimes boast other entertainment, such as musical acts.
5. Fun ‘n’ Wheels
Fun ‘n’ Wheels is a great choice for families with younger kids who likewise enjoy thrilling activities and want to try their own hand behind the wheel. Located on the outskirts of Boone, NC, Fun ‘n’ Wheels is a compact amusement park that is open from spring to autumn (generally, Memorial Day to Labor Day with some leeway for good weather). This family-oriented amusement park is best known for its wide outdoor racing track where you can take go-karts and bumper cars on, hitting that gas pedal and ripping around curves and under a go-kart overpass. They also have a small Ferris wheel for all ages to enjoy and the interior of their business has several video games and a small concession area with a gift shop.
However, while part of Fun ‘n’ Wheels is located indoors, this business mostly operates as an outdoor attraction. They go big on the racing go-karts and bumper car models and will often close in bad rainy weather. So, keep an eye out on the clouds if you’re looking to take the family to this race-friendly location!
Enjoy the Best of Boone On Your Next Vacation to the Appalachian Mountains
Boone, North Carolina is a gorgeous haven for adventure enthusiasts and the above activities are just a taste of the excitement this mountain town has to offer. From white water rafting to zip-lining and mud-driving, this community has more than enough to keep you and your travel partners entertained. Learn more about the great outdoors and indoor attractions available in Boone, NC by visiting our other pages, and enjoy getting even more excited about your upcoming vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountain.
